Rafael van der Vaart and Pierre van Hooijdonk are very enthusiastic about the qualities of Tijjani Reijnders. During the preview of the final match against Iceland, the analyst duo shows up in front of the camera NOS know that the midfielder has become a certainty in Ronald Koeman's starting lineup.

“It is no longer a matter of doubt, he is simply a basic player now,” says Van der Vaart. “When he went to AC Milan I wondered, to be honest: is that going to be him? But he showed it from minute one there.”

“Then you naturally gain confidence and you radiate that. He is fast, with and without the ball. He is really a midfielder of our time, so I am very happy that he has stood up.”

“He is a boy who has both feet on the ground. He comes – as we say – from a good background. I don't know the litter well, but I was able to train with his brother (Eliano Reijnders, ed.) at PEC Zwolle. Also a very sweet, nice, quiet boy.”

“He also just radiates power and speed. I think he is a wonderful player to watch,” said Van der Vaart, who can count on Van Hooijdonk's support.

“He has more than excellent technique,” ​​emphasizes the former striker. “He also has scoring ability and is an intelligent player who can never catch you making stupid actions. Then you become reliable for a trainer. He is multifunctional and he can move in midfield,” concludes Van Hooijdonk.

Reijnders will form midfield on Monday evening with the PSV duo Jerdy Schouten and Joey Veerman. Initially, Teun Koopmeiners was supposed to be in the number 10 position, but the latter dropped out during the warm-up with groin complaints.

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